Abstract: A one-piece elastomeric spring having four spaced end portions all joined to and extending from a common body portion. Two end portions are commonly disposed to each side of an axis of the spring such that each end portion can independently deflect when a force is applied thereto. The one-piece spring is formed from a preform formed from an elastomer which is normally free of spring-like characteristics. The elastomer from which the preform is created has a molecular structure along with a ratio of plastic strain to elastic strain greater than 1.5 to 1. The molecular structure of the preform is oriented in at least one direction so as to allow a predetermined spring rate to be imparted to the preform whereby transmuting the preform into an elastomeric spring.

Abstract: A method of making a curved compression spring comprising the steps of: providing a monolithic preform having first and second end portions with a curved mid-portion therebetween, with the preform being formed from an elastomer which is free of spring-like characteristics, and with the preform having an initial predetermined length defined by a longitudinal distance between first and second end portions, and wherein the elastomer from which the preform is formed has a molecular structure along with a ratio of plastic strain to elastic strain greater than 1.5 to 1; and, working the preform so as to orient the molecular structure of the elastomer in at least one direction while transmuting the preform into a compression spring.

Abstract: A method for controlling a turbine-generator including: detecting a power-load unbalance between a turbine and a generator; measuring the duration of a power-load unbalance; measuring the rate of loss of an electrical load; and regulating steam flow through the turbine responsive to the rate of loss of an electrical load and the duration of the power-load unbalance; all of which results in more accurate and robust control of turbine-generator speed.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of minimizing steam boiler pressure changes or turbine power changes during turbine control valve operational safety test stroking. The method of the present invention uses control valve positions as feedback into a compensation algorithm to minimize flow disturbance caused by the closing and reopening of a turbine control valve during periodic operational testing. By maintaining the total mass flow through several parallel turbine inlet control valves constant, the steam generator pressure is maintained constant, and the inlet pressure regulator is unaffected during inlet control valve testing. Maintaining the total mass flow through several parallel turbine inlet control valves constant also minimizes turbine power changes during inlet control valve testing. In addition, the monitoring of additional process parameters is not needed.

Abstract: A compression spring created from a preform made from an elastomer which is normally free of spring-like characteristics. The preform has an initial predetermined length defined by a longitudinal distance between first and second end portions joined by a mid-portion. The elastomer from which the preform is created has a molecular structure along with a ratio of plastic strain to elastic strain greater than 1.5 to 1. As a result of working the preform, the molecular structure, extending along at least the mid-portion, is oriented so as to transmute the preform into a curved elastomeric spring. Methods for making the elastomeric spring are also disclosed.

Abstract: Fast crystallizing polyester compositions comprise a semicrystalline isotropic polyester, and specified amount of a liquid crystalline polymer, a solid particulate material, and a plasticizer for the isotropic polyester. These compositions generally crystallize faster and/or more extensively and/or at lower temperatures than the corresponding compositions without these ingredients present. The compositions are especially useful for molded and extruded parts.

Abstract: Isotropic polyester compositions containing specified amounts of certain reinforcing fillers, a polymeric toughening agent, and a liquid crystalline polymer are especially useful for parts which have appearance surfaces and/or are painted. Such compositions are useful for items such as appliance parts, automotive body panels, power tool housing, and electronics housings. Processes for coating such compositions are also described.